Showrooms
Full Bloom
Full Bloom with the Founders of Native Poppy
Our In Good Company series brings together good people, good conversation, and (of course) a welcoming space.
In this edition, we caught up with Meg Blancato and Natalie Gill, the co-owners behind Native Poppy. The San Diego-based floral studio is known for vibrant arrangements, artful events, and a whole lot of heart. What started as a one-woman dream has blossomed into a community-powered business with a gift shop, a mentorship program, and even a micro flower farm. They shared their thoughts on creative grit, shared leadership, and the flowers they can鈥檛 live without.
What inspired you to start Native Poppy?听
Meg: My dad was in the plant industry, so I鈥檝e always loved flowers and plants. In 2016, I was looking for a new career path and found Natalie and Native Poppy. I started as her first employee, fell in love with the flowers and the business, and became her partner in 2018. It鈥檚 been a flower-filled roller coaster ever since.听
Natalie: I wanted a career where I could make art with my friends, laugh, work with my hands, feel connected to nature, and keep things interesting. When I鈥檓 arranging flowers, the rest of the world falls away. I love getting to share that with my team and create space for their art, too.听
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What do you enjoy most about running your business?
Meg: Our team is filled with artists, creative minds, and kind souls. Many have been with us for years, and I鈥檓 so grateful we鈥檙e on this journey together. And the flowers鈥擨 never tire of them.听
Natalie: I love the creative freedom. Dreaming something up and bringing it to life with our team is pure magic. It鈥檚 deeply fulfilling to build a business that reflects our values and brings beauty into people鈥檚 lives.听
What advice would you give other women looking to start a business?
Natalie: Just start. It won鈥檛 be perfect, but you only get better by doing it over and over. Keep refining, keep showing up, and expect setbacks. They鈥檙e part of the process, not a sign you鈥檙e doing it wrong. If you love it and keep going, you鈥檒l get there. Grit and persistence go a long way.听
Tell us a bit more about the other arms of your business.
Meg: Our running joke is鈥攊f it鈥檚 flower-related, we do it! In addition to our retail shops, weddings are a huge part of the business. We also offer local deliveries, dried flowers, workshops, corporate events, coaching and mentorship, subscriptions, and even have our own micro flower farm.听
Natalie: And on top of that, we have a thoughtfully curated gift shop. We source handmade goods from small businesses, prioritizing BIPOC-, queer-, women-owned, and local brands. We believe how we spend money matters, and we want our shelves to reflect that.
鈥淚 love the creative freedom. Dreaming something up and bringing it to life with our team is pure magic.鈥�
Tell us about one of your most memorable projects.
Meg: We used to throw an annual 鈥淲ild Flower Club No-Pool, Pool Party.鈥� They were a blast and a ton of work. We paused them during the pandemic, but maybe one day they鈥檒l return!
Natalie: Designing the rotunda for Art Alive at the San Diego Museum of Art. It was a 40-foot floral installation built with painted tumbleweeds, fresh flowers, and layered textures. The scale, artistry, and setting all came together鈥攊t was a true pinch-me moment.
What do you love most about the San Diego community?
Meg: For such a big city, it feels like the biggest small town in the world. Everyone seems to know each other, and there鈥檚 a strong sense of connection. I鈥檓 grateful to be surrounded by a lot of people who have similar views on human rights and the country we aspire to be one day.
What are your favourite flowers to have at home?
Meg: Impossible to choose just one, but ranunculus, peonies, and zinnias are always at the top. It changes with the seasons.听
Natalie: It depends on the season, my mood, and which corner of the house needs a little magic. Right now, I鈥檝e got big white allium balls by the front door鈥攖hey鈥檙e quirky and last forever.
